Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an apparatus for maintaining patency within vessels in the vicinity of surgical procedures which might otherwise be compressed and partially or totally occluded and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve system may include an expandable docking station configured for implantation within a native heart valve. The expandable docking station may include a plurality of sacrificial valve leaflets disposed within a braided anchoring element defining a lumen extending through the braided anchoring element. The replacement heart valve system may include a replacement heart valve implant configured to be disposed within the lumen of the expandable docking station. The replacement heart valve implant may include a plurality of valve leaflets disposed within a tubular anchor member defining a lumen extending through the tubular anchor member.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an apparatus for maintaining patency within vessels in the vicinity of surgical procedures which might otherwise be compressed and partially or totally occluded and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent is described comprising a stent comprising a sidewall and a plurality of struts, wherein at least one strut or strut portion comprises at least one node, wherein the expansion of the stent creates at least one web comprising a coating composition having a therapeutic agent, and wherein at least one node is configured to be associated with at least one web. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site is also described.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which can delay release of one or more therapeutic agents for a predetermined time after implantation in a subject. In various embodiments, a therapeutic agent delivery profile of this type is provided by employing a temporary barrier layer which initially permits little to no release of the therapeutic agent, but which layer permits much greater release levels after a predetermined period of time. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming such devices and to methods of using such devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit includes a base and a specimen removably couplable to the base. A top plate defines a plurality of apertures and is removably couplable to the base such that at least two of the apertures are associated with a specimen and each aperture defines a well with that specimen. Each well is configured to receive a sample material therein in contact with the specimen. A method includes disposing a specimen within a recessed portion of a test apparatus and coupling a top plate of the test apparatus to a base of the test apparatus such that a sealing engagement is formed between the top plate and the specimen. The top plate defines a plurality of apertures, each of at least two of the apertures collectively with the specimen defines a well. A sample material can be disposed within at least one well.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent is described comprising a stent comprising a sidewall and a plurality of struts, wherein at least one strut or strut portion comprises at least one node, wherein the expansion of the stent creates at least one web comprising a coating composition having a therapeutic agent, and wherein at least one node is configured to be associated with at least one web. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site is also described.